#DressCodePM: Twitter calls out Harper on ignorant niqab comments

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is having a go at breaking the internet thanks to some commentary he made about face-covering veils. He said niqabs are offensive and anti-women. It wasn’t long before people took to Twitter to mock his ignorant comments.

Unfortunately his beliefs are more than just words — he’s putting them into action with far-reaching consequences for religious freedom. Last month federal Judge Keith Boswell struck down a ban on wearing face-covering veils during citizenship ceremonies. This week Harper announced he’d appeal the ban.

In a statement to reporters, he said, “I believe, and I think most Canadians believe, that it is offensive that someone would hide their identity at the very moment where they are committing to join the Canadian family.”

If you ask Twitter, it seems most people, Canadians or otherwise, don’t actually agree with him. In fact, it’s his words that are the offensive part of this issue.

https://twitter.com/geekylonglegs/status/575683284597760001

@pmharper Please advise of the CPC position on jeggings. Also, can I wear a scrunchie when taking an oath of citizenship? #dresscodePM

— Cordelia Lear (@crazymessiah) March 11, 2015

@pmharper if we all put on hijabs, will you start to care about women's rights in Canada? #dresscodePM

— Ruth Warner (@spygurlz) March 11, 2015

@pmharper Headed out for the day, basically in PJs. I'm a mess but nobody will care unless I wear a niqab, right? Good to go! #dresscodePM

— ₩₩₩₩₩₩ (@opalsoap) March 11, 2015

Need clarification. Does PM Harper need to approve my wife's clothing or can any man do it? #dresscodePM

— Rob Nickerson (@TheRobNickerson) March 11, 2015